In a bold move this Mental Health Awareness Month, John Craig, a premier men’s fashion retailer, and Polo South Africa are confronting outdated societal expectations and the long-standing silence surrounding men’s mental health. The campaign aims to break down stigmas, promote open discussions and offer support to men grappling with emotional and psychological challenges.
John Craig, known for offering top-tier fashion brands like Polo, recognises that being at your best goes far beyond physical appearance. Mental and emotional resilience, they argue, is key to unlocking one’s true potential. With this initiative, John Craig and Polo South Africa shine a light on the mental health struggles men face worldwide, especially as issues like depression, anxiety and suicide continue to rise among men.
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In a five-part series titled Mind Matters, John Craig and Polo have brought together four influential men—Leon de Beer, Lucas Radebe, Kgaugelo Habyane, and Tshegofatso Sephula—who each share their insights and personal stories. Through this platform, the brand aims to spark honest discussions about mental health, encouraging men to speak up and seek help. Each episode features an expert offering actionable advice for managing mental health, making this series a powerful tool for awareness and change.
WATCH: Mind Matters Episode 01: Kicking Down The Stigma, Men’s Mental Health with Lucas Radebe
A Panel with Purpose
Leading the panel is Leon de Beer, the Deputy Director of the South African Federation for Mental Health, with over two decades of experience in fields like HIV/AIDS, disability and community development. De Beer’s background in psychology and social policy gives him a well-rounded perspective on the importance of mental well-being as part of a healthy life.
Soccer legend Lucas Radebe also joins the conversation, offering a unique perspective on the pressures that men, particularly athletes, face. Radebe’s journey—from surviving the tumult of his youth in Soweto to becoming captain of Leeds United and Bafana Bafana—offers valuable lessons in resilience and leadership.
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Author and mental health advocate Tshegofatso Sephula brings a deeply personal angle to the series. Diagnosed with severe depression, anxiety, OCD, and ADHD, Sephula survived a suicide attempt and now dedicates his life to breaking the silence on mental health. Through the Risima Foundation, he works to ensure others don’t suffer in isolation as he once did.
Lastly, Kgaugelo Habyane, a media professional and podcast host, rounds out the panel. As the voice behind Manned Up Conversations, Habyane is committed to reshaping how men understand and manage their mental health. His involvement in mental health advocacy, including his work with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), makes him a critical voice in this campaign.
Bringing Awareness through Action
Each week in October, Mind Matters will explore a different aspect of men’s mental health, from identifying common risk factors to seeking help. The goal is to foster an environment where men feel safe to discuss their emotional and psychological struggles.
Leon de Beer emphasises that mental health is just as crucial as physical health: “When we talk about mental health, we are talking about one’s mental wellbeing and their ability to form meaningful relationships, fulfil their potential in life, deal with life’s stresses effectively, and contribute positively to society.”
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This campaign encourages men to rethink masculinity and recognise that asking for help is not a weakness but a sign of strength. It aims to dismantle the societal pressures that keep many men from seeking support and to normalise mental health conversations.
How You Can Get Involved
John Craig and Polo South Africa invite everyone to join the conversation. Subscribe to their YouTube channel, @JohnCraig, and follow their social media platforms to stay up-to-date on each new episode of Mind Matters. The episodes will be released every Thursday in October, with topics ranging from mental health overviews to practical advice on coping strategies.
The campaign also encourages people to share their own mental health journeys using the hashtag #JohnCraigMindMatters. By raising awareness and fostering empathy, John Craig aims to reshape the narrative around men’s mental health and help men lead healthier, more fulfilled lives.
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This initiative is more than a fashion statement—it’s a movement that speaks to the heart of what it means to be a man in today’s world. By addressing mental health head-on, John Craig and Polo South Africa are paving the way for a future where men can thrive emotionally, mentally, and physically.
